Finally - after 10 days and 5 attempts, Week 5 done!

[rr76]

I can't quite believe it - finally got through week 5 and particularly the dreaded W5R3. I've mainly been a treadmill runner up to now - I like my numbers and knowing where I'm up to, also running along the streets of inner city London never appealed to me. However I'm visiting family this weekend so no gym in sight, so I thought I'd use the opportunity for my first outdoor run (the Cotswold countryside being much more appealing than my slightly grotty part of north London). Also it's a beautiful sunny tranquil morning here.

So I set out, headphones in and Laura in my ears, with my warm up walk. Only to be overtaken by a supremely athletic guy twice my age (he looked to be in his 70s) gliding past me. Still I thought if he can do it, so can I. I thought I'd run to the nearest park, do a lap and then run back. Then started my slow jog. I never realised just how slow I was compared with other runners - any slower and I swear I'd be going backwards! Huffed and puffed around the park trying to ignore the dog walkers bemused looks at the sweating newbie runner. Concentrated on the gorgeous weather and Laura's slightly less gorgeous music. Exited the park to hear Laura's 2 minute warning (really?). Realised that the deceptively flat path to the park had now morphed into a slightly less flat hill in the 10 minutes since I'd run down it. Groaned inwardly but pushed on through it. And all of a sudden it was over! I'm so chuffed - I didnt ever think I'd get here.

So I guess what I'm trying to say to those of you that are struggling like me, is keep on going - you'll get there! At the start of the programme I couldnt run for a bus without getting out of puff, but just trust in the programme and trust your abilities - it really does work.

[paul2014 Graduate]

Well done and that's the dreaded 20 minute run completed. That's a big milestone in c25k so you should rightly feel chuffed. Onwards and upwards

[rr76 Graduate in reply to paul2014]

Thank you Paul - for the first time I feel like I can actually complete this! Roll on W6!

[paul2014 Graduate in reply to rr76]

Of course you can complete it :)?

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done ! You deserve to graduate just on determination alone ! Onwards to Week 6 , keep going, youre doing great xxx

[rr76 Graduate]

Thank you poppypug - congratulations on your graduation too! I'm never 100% sure what all of Dozzers posts mean, but they make me chuckle anyway!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to rr76]

Thank you I will let you into a little secret- neither am I haha. He is a very funny guy though xxx

[rr76 Graduate]

Oh yes he's hilarious!

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Congratulations! I respect the fact that you never gave up and you persevered until you completed the 20 minute run! I did mine yesterday, so week 6 here we come! Slow and steady is best - I run (shuffle) at my sons walking pace so don't worry about it! Lol!

[Becca66 Graduate]

Well done well done well done! W5R3 is the biggest hurdle of them all: once you've cleared it, you suddenly believe that you finish the programme. Not to say there aren't some tough runs to come, but with 20mins under your belt, you feel much more confident.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done! - that's the 'scary one' under your belt. Congratulations for sticking at it - On you go.